Freedom of the Press is one of the tenants of democracy in the United States. The founders of the nation considered it so important they protected it in the First Amendment.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” ~ First Amendment to the United States Constitution

However that trust and importance eroded among some segments of the population. A new Quinnipiac poll finds a majority of Republicans view the media as the “enemy of the people” instead of a defender of freedom.

According to the poll results, “Republicans say 51 – 37 percent that the media is the enemy of the people, rather than an important part of democracy, the only group to believe that.”

Other respondents stated a belief that “The news media is an important part of democracy, 66 percent of American voters say, while 22 percent say the media is the enemy of the people. (The majority of) Voters trust the media more than President Trump 53 – 37 percent to tell the truth about important issues.”

New poll: Republicans say 51 – 37 percent that the media is the enemy of the people, rather than an important part of democracy https://t.co/NPwtnc89p9

The reason for the erosion of GOP voters’ faith in the press is likely due to the leader of their party and his relationship with the mainstream media. President Donald Trump and the press enjoy an almost love hate relationship.

The Republican held White House displays an often contentious interaction with the majority of the White House press corps and mainstream press. The only notable exception is FOX News.